There is a lot said about resilience, what it is and what it could be. So, I am going to dedicate some of this blog to that subject. "SISU: The Resilience Channel" can also be subscribed to on YouTube here: SISU: the resilience channel - YouTube or you can just enjoy regular features here on the blog.
SISU is a gift from my Finnish ancestry. The "second wind" of mental toughness. Where grit ends, SISU begins.
Now that is quite a claim. Yet it suggests that we have much more in the tank than we ever really tap into.
Read up on the Finnish Winter War to get a handle on the character of that nation.
The timing of this channel is appropriate at "50 not out" I am moving into the second half of life. My target is a full century, but, you know, if I hit 96 then that's a good innings.
I use physical endeavor to sustain SISU. But that is not enough. SISU is a menu of things physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. You have to engage with all of these aspects to explore what it really means to endure.
Using hiking as a baseline activity, here's my standard pack for a simple day or half day hike.
25-liter backpack (I can survive out of one of these for a couple of days
flasks of water, tea and a cheese ration.
monocular - to appreciate wildlife at a distance.
a hat - to keep warmth in and weather out.
dog leash - for my trail buddy.
basic first aid kit - when necessary.
dead weight - as a metaphor for life, I carry a couple of sandbags in the bottom of the pack.
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